Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Jefferson County's latest educational institution is a soon-to-open private school, The Village Academy. Located in downtown Monticello, the academy is described as “a life preparatory micro-school” and is preparing to enter its first academic year. Co-founders Erin Greene and Sophia Olivo are excited for the year to come as they offer locals a new choice for education.
Greene is a certified teacher with over a decade of education experience in public schools under her belt. She is a graduate of Aucilla Christian Academy and holds an associate's degree from North Florida College, as well as a bachelor's degree in elementary education from St. Leo University. Her interest in starting the academy arose from her time teaching in public school.
“We feel that not every student fits in a strict box, and we want to accommodate them where they are,” explains Greene. “I have had a heart for teaching, every since I graduated Aucilla and decided that I wanted to be a private school teacher because I had graduated from Aucilla. When I graduated college, I ended up getting my first job in public school in Madison County, and I fell in love with public school, and being able to help kids on a level that they weren't getting … I wanted to give a school choice to parents who felt like public school either was too much or wasn't cutting it for their kids, but private school was too expensive or might not be the right fit. So, I wanted to take my love for public school and private school and mesh them together to create a school that nurtures both.”
While Greene's brought her past in public school to the venture, Olivo is bringing her experience as a homeschool mom to diversify their approach.
“I've always had a heart to help whenever possible and a determination to find a way — even when it seems impossible. That same spirit is what led me to build The Village Academy,” explains Olivo. “My vision was never about the children. It's about the families and educators, too … we're here to fill a gap, support families who want it and serve those using their freedom of school choice to find what truly fits their child and their family.”
The Village Academy serves grades K-5. They also offer multiple educational options. The full-time program is a more typical school experience, with students attending 4 days a week from drop-off at 7:45 a.m.-8:20 a.m. to pick-up at 2-2:15 p.m. They also offer a hybrid program for homeschoolers, where students come to class two days per week, and staff assists in ensuring both children and parents have the support they need as students and educators throughout the week with packets and drop-in assistance. Homeschool students are also eligible to participate in academy activities such as electives and field trips. Other services they offer include tutoring, after school enrichment, Step Up For Students Scholarship assistance and STEAM enrichment.
Recipients of the Florida Step Up For Students Scholarship can use their funds to pay tuition at The Village Academy. Additionally, school supplies are included with the cost of tuition.The 2026-2027 academic year at The Village Academy begins Aug. 12. The deadline to enroll is Aug. 10. For more information, call 772-342-6222 or email thevillageacademyfl@gmail.com. It is located at 225 N. Jefferson St.